FOOD STORAGE — HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP...

TURKEY DELI MEAT /COLD CUTS — SLICED AT GROCERY DELI COUNTER

Refrigerator

3-5 days

Freezer

1-2 months

Tips

The precise answer to the question “How long does turkey deli meat last?” depends to a large extent on storage conditions — keep turkey deli meat (also known as lunch meat or cold cuts) refrigerated at all times.

To maximize the shelf life of turkey deli meat after opening, keep refrigerated and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

How long does turkey deli meat last at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; turkey deli meat should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

To further extend the shelf life of turkey deli meat, freeze; when freezing, place turkey deli meat in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.

You can maximize the shelf life of turkey deli meat in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn.

How long does turkey deli meat last in the freezer for safety purposes? The freezer time shown is for best quality only — foods kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.